Bayern Munich have confirmed the signing of reported Arsenal target Sebastian Rode from Frankfurt on a four-year deal. Arsenal, along with the likes of Tottenham and Liverpool, had been linked with an interest in Rode, who has impressed both in the second and top tiers of Germany football for Frankfurt since joining from Kickers Offenbach in 2010. Rode cost Frankfurt 200,000 and has made 61 appearances in four years before suffering a season-ending cartilage injury in February, but leaves on a free after signing a pre-contract agreement with Bayern, where he will join at the end of the season.
The 23-year-old told his new club’s official website: “I am very pleased that this transfer has worked out. “FC Bayern is the next big step for me. I want to develop myself here and win a lot of titles with my future team-mates. ”The former Germany Under-21 international’s move to the Allianz Arena has been mooted for some time, dating back to before Pep Guardiola first took over from Jupp Heynckes, and had been confirmed by Frankfurt CEO Heribert Bruchagen in January.
Rode becomes the second player to agree to join Bayern in the summer, following Borussia Dortmund striker Robert Lewandowski.
